Project Blue Sky - Domestic Violence Information Homepage

Criminal Harassment

The law against Criminal Harassment is commonly known as the "stalking law", but in fact, the offense includes many other behaviours. According to the Police Handbook on Domestic Violence, the purpose behind making Criminal Harassment an offense was to prevent an escalating cycle of violent behaviour that occurs over a period of time.

Examples of harassing behaviour include:

Hang up phone calls
Persistant phone calls/messages
Unsolicited contact
Threatening letters
Unwanted parcels, flowers or gifts
Damage to property
Following from place to place

Even though these behaviours do not cause physical damage to a person, they are considered a crime because the victim often feels a loss of control over his/her life. Criminal harassment also includes behaviours aimed at the victim's friends or family.

Harassment includes one or more of the following:

Repeated following of the victim or a person known to the victim
Repeated communication (directly or indirectly) with the victim
Watching or besetting any place the victim may be
Threatening conduct towards the victim or any member of the victim's family

Reference: Toronto Police "Domestic Violence Information Handbook (SP 316-E, 1999/09)"